A method for multi-touch detection in a touch input device comprising a grid based sensor, the method comprises sampling outputs from a grid based sensor over a first stage of detection, selecting sensor lines based on the sampled outputs, scanning the selected sensor lines along one axis of the grid based sensor over a second stage of detection, and determining positions of user interaction based on outputs sampled in response to scanning the selected sensor lines during the second stage of detection.
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3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the sampling of the first outputs and the triggering of only the second set are performed over a single refresh cycle of the sensor.
This invention relates to a method for operating a sensor array, particularly for improving efficiency in sampling and data processing. The problem addressed is the high power consumption and processing overhead in traditional sensor arrays, where all sensor outputs are continuously sampled and processed, even when only a subset of the data is needed. The method involves selectively sampling only a first set of outputs from the sensor array while triggering only a second set of outputs for further processing. The sampling and triggering are performed within a single refresh cycle of the sensor, ensuring real-time operation without delays. The first set of outputs may be sampled at a lower resolution or rate compared to the second set, reducing power consumption. The second set is triggered based on predefined criteria, such as threshold values or external conditions, to ensure only relevant data is processed. The sensor array may include multiple types of sensors, such as image sensors, temperature sensors, or pressure sensors, and the method can be applied to any array where selective sampling improves efficiency. The invention optimizes power usage and processing resources by avoiding unnecessary sampling and processing of irrelevant data, making it suitable for battery-powered or low-power applications.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sampling of the first outputs takes less time than the triggering only the second set.
This invention relates to a method for optimizing the sampling of outputs in a system where multiple sets of outputs are generated, such as in sensor networks, data acquisition systems, or signal processing applications. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in sampling processes where triggering multiple sets of outputs consumes significant time and resources, particularly when only a subset of outputs is needed for immediate analysis. The method involves selectively sampling a first set of outputs while avoiding the triggering of a second set of outputs, thereby reducing the time required for sampling. The first set of outputs may be sampled at a higher frequency or with lower latency compared to the second set, which is only triggered when necessary. This selective sampling approach improves efficiency by minimizing unnecessary processing and data acquisition steps, particularly in systems where the second set of outputs is computationally or resource-intensive to generate. The method may be applied in scenarios where real-time or near-real-time data processing is required, such as in industrial monitoring, environmental sensing, or medical diagnostics. By prioritizing the sampling of the first set of outputs, the system can maintain responsiveness while conserving resources. The invention ensures that critical data is captured promptly, while non-critical or secondary data is only processed when explicitly triggered, optimizing overall system performance.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second set is only along the first axis, and the second set is triggered based on the first axis being selected as a triggering axis, and only sensor lines on the triggering axis are scanned.
This invention relates to a method for optimizing sensor scanning in a touch-sensitive device, particularly for reducing power consumption and improving responsiveness. The method addresses the inefficiency of scanning all sensor lines in a touch-sensitive surface, which consumes unnecessary power and processing resources when only a single axis (e.g., X or Y) is being interacted with. The method involves detecting a triggering axis (e.g., the X-axis) when a touch input is received. Once the triggering axis is identified, only the sensor lines along that axis are scanned, while sensor lines along the non-triggering axis (e.g., the Y-axis) are not scanned. This selective scanning reduces the number of sensor lines activated, conserving power and computational resources. The method ensures that touch detection remains accurate while minimizing unnecessary operations, making it suitable for battery-powered devices like smartphones, tablets, and touchscreens. The invention improves upon existing touch-sensitive systems by dynamically adjusting the scanning process based on the detected axis of interaction, rather than scanning all sensor lines indiscriminately. This selective approach enhances efficiency without compromising touch sensitivity or responsiveness. The method is particularly useful in applications where power efficiency is critical, such as mobile and wearable devices.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first outputs sampled are sampled simultaneously.
This invention relates to a method for processing signals in a system where multiple outputs are sampled. The problem addressed is the need to improve the efficiency and accuracy of signal sampling, particularly when dealing with multiple outputs that must be processed in a coordinated manner. The method involves sampling a first set of outputs simultaneously to ensure synchronization and reduce errors that can arise from sequential sampling. This simultaneous sampling is particularly useful in systems where timing precision is critical, such as in sensor arrays, communication systems, or data acquisition applications. The method may also include additional steps such as filtering, amplifying, or digitizing the sampled signals to prepare them for further processing. By sampling the first outputs simultaneously, the method ensures that the data collected is temporally aligned, which is essential for accurate analysis and decision-making in real-time systems. The invention may be applied in various fields, including industrial automation, medical devices, and telecommunications, where precise and synchronized signal sampling is required. The simultaneous sampling approach helps mitigate issues like phase shifts and timing discrepancies that can occur when sampling outputs sequentially.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first outputs sampled are difference signals between pairs of sensor lines of the sensor.
A method for processing sensor data involves sampling difference signals between pairs of sensor lines in a sensor array. The sensor array includes multiple sensor lines arranged in a grid, where each sensor line detects physical phenomena such as pressure, temperature, or electrical signals. The method begins by sampling these difference signals, which represent variations between adjacent or selected pairs of sensor lines. These sampled difference signals are then processed to extract meaningful data, such as identifying spatial variations, detecting anomalies, or reconstructing a spatial map of the sensed phenomena. The processing may include filtering, amplification, or digital signal processing techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. The method is particularly useful in applications where precise spatial resolution is required, such as in touchscreens, medical imaging, or environmental monitoring. By focusing on difference signals, the method reduces noise and improves sensitivity to small changes in the sensed environment. The technique can be applied to various types of sensors, including capacitive, resistive, or inductive arrays, depending on the specific application. The method ensures efficient data acquisition and processing, enabling real-time or near-real-time analysis of the sensor outputs.
10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the sampling of the first outputs and the triggering of only the second set are performed over a single refresh cycle of the sensor.
A device is disclosed for efficiently sampling and processing sensor data to reduce power consumption and improve performance. The device includes a sensor array with multiple sensor elements, each generating outputs that are sampled and processed. The device operates by selectively triggering only a subset of the sensor elements (a second set) while sampling the outputs of another subset (a first set) within a single refresh cycle of the sensor. This selective triggering ensures that only the necessary sensor elements are activated, reducing unnecessary power consumption and processing overhead. The device may further include a controller that manages the sampling and triggering operations, ensuring synchronization between the sampling of the first outputs and the activation of the second set of sensor elements. The selective activation of sensor elements allows for efficient data acquisition while minimizing energy usage, making the device suitable for applications requiring low-power operation, such as portable or battery-powered systems. The device may also include additional circuitry for processing the sampled outputs, such as analog-to-digital converters or signal conditioning components, to prepare the data for further analysis or transmission. The overall design optimizes sensor performance by balancing power efficiency and data acquisition speed.
11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the sampling of the first outputs takes less time than the triggering only the second set.
A system for efficiently sampling and processing data from multiple sensors or signal sources is disclosed. The invention addresses the challenge of optimizing data acquisition in systems where different sets of signals require different sampling rates or processing priorities. The system includes a first set of sensors or signal sources that generate first outputs, and a second set of sensors or signal sources that generate second outputs. A sampling module is configured to sample the first outputs at a faster rate than the second outputs, reducing the time required to process the first outputs compared to the second outputs. This allows for real-time or near-real-time analysis of the first outputs while still capturing the second outputs for later processing. The system may include additional components such as a controller to manage sampling rates, a processor to analyze the sampled data, and a memory to store the results. The invention is particularly useful in applications where certain signals require immediate attention, such as in industrial monitoring, medical diagnostics, or environmental sensing. By prioritizing the sampling of the first outputs, the system ensures critical data is processed efficiently without delaying the acquisition of less time-sensitive data.
12. The device according to claim 8, wherein the second set is only along the first axis, and the second set is scanned based on the first axis being selected as a triggering axis, and only sensor lines on the triggering axis are scanned.
This invention relates to a scanning device for capturing data along multiple axes, addressing the problem of inefficient scanning in multi-axis systems where unnecessary data is collected. The device includes a sensor array with multiple sensor lines arranged along at least two axes, a first axis and a second axis. The sensor lines are grouped into a first set and a second set. The first set of sensor lines is scanned along the first axis, while the second set is scanned along the second axis. The second set is restricted to only the first axis, meaning it does not extend along the second axis. Scanning is triggered based on the selection of the first axis as a triggering axis, and only the sensor lines on this triggering axis are scanned, reducing unnecessary data collection and improving efficiency. The device may include a controller to manage the scanning process, ensuring that only relevant sensor lines are activated. This selective scanning approach minimizes power consumption and processing overhead by avoiding the scanning of non-triggered axes. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring precise, axis-specific data capture, such as in imaging systems or sensor arrays where only certain axes need to be monitored.
13. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first outputs sampled are sampled simultaneously.
A device for signal processing includes a sampling module that captures multiple input signals from a system under test. The device is designed to monitor and analyze electrical or electronic signals in real-time, addressing challenges in accurately capturing and synchronizing multiple signals for diagnostic or testing purposes. The sampling module is configured to sample the input signals at specific intervals, ensuring precise timing and synchronization. In this embodiment, the first set of outputs from the sampling module are sampled simultaneously, meaning all signals are captured at the same instant. This simultaneous sampling improves accuracy by eliminating timing discrepancies between signals, which is critical for applications requiring high-fidelity signal analysis, such as fault detection, performance monitoring, or system validation. The device may also include additional processing components to further analyze the sampled data, such as filtering, amplification, or digital conversion, depending on the specific requirements of the system under test. The simultaneous sampling feature ensures that the captured signals maintain their relative timing relationships, which is essential for accurate diagnostics and troubleshooting.
14. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first outputs sampled are difference signals between pairs of sensor lines of the sensor.
A system for capturing and processing sensor data includes an array of sensor lines configured to detect environmental conditions, such as pressure, temperature, or electrical signals. The system samples difference signals between pairs of sensor lines to enhance signal accuracy and reduce noise. By comparing adjacent or selected pairs of sensor lines, the system generates difference signals that highlight variations between the lines, improving sensitivity and reducing common-mode interference. The sampled difference signals are then processed to extract meaningful data, such as identifying spatial variations or temporal changes in the detected conditions. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution measurements, such as touchscreens, pressure-sensitive surfaces, or environmental monitoring systems. The system may include additional components, such as analog-to-digital converters, signal processing units, and calibration mechanisms, to ensure accurate and reliable data acquisition. The use of difference signals between sensor lines helps mitigate errors caused by environmental noise and sensor drift, leading to more precise and stable measurements.
17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the sampling of the first outputs and the triggering of only the second set are performed over a single refresh cycle of the sensor.
This invention relates to a sensor device with improved sampling and triggering mechanisms. The device includes a sensor array that generates first outputs, which are sampled at specific intervals. The device also includes a second set of elements that are selectively triggered based on the sampled outputs. The key innovation is that both the sampling of the first outputs and the triggering of the second set occur within a single refresh cycle of the sensor, ensuring synchronized and efficient operation. The sensor array may be an image sensor or another type of array-based sensor, where the first outputs are initial measurements or signals from individual sensor elements. The second set of elements may include additional processing units, actuators, or control circuits that respond to the sampled outputs. By performing these operations within a single refresh cycle, the device avoids delays and ensures real-time processing, which is critical for applications requiring rapid response times, such as imaging systems, environmental monitoring, or industrial automation. The invention optimizes the timing and coordination of sensor operations to enhance performance and reduce latency.
18. The device according to claim 15, wherein the sampling of the first outputs takes less time than the triggering only the second set.
The invention relates to a device for processing signals, particularly in systems where multiple sets of outputs are generated and sampled. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in sampling processes where triggering multiple sets of outputs consumes excessive time, leading to delays in data acquisition or processing. The device includes a mechanism to sample a first set of outputs more quickly than triggering only a second set of outputs. The first set of outputs may be generated by a sensor or processing unit, while the second set may involve additional computational or hardware-triggered steps. By optimizing the sampling time for the first set, the device improves overall system efficiency, reducing latency and enhancing real-time performance. The invention may be applied in fields such as industrial automation, medical diagnostics, or telecommunications, where rapid and accurate signal processing is critical. The device ensures that critical data from the first set is captured promptly, while the second set, which may require more complex triggering, is handled separately to avoid bottlenecks. This approach balances speed and resource utilization, making it suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems.
19. The device according to claim 15, wherein the second set is only along the first axis, and the second set is triggered based on the first axis being selected as a triggering axis, and only sensor lines on the triggering axis are scanned.
A touch-sensitive device includes a sensor array with multiple sensor lines arranged along at least two axes, such as rows and columns. The device detects touch inputs by scanning these sensor lines to determine touch locations. In a specific configuration, the device selectively scans only a subset of sensor lines along a single axis when that axis is designated as the triggering axis. This reduces power consumption and processing overhead by avoiding unnecessary scans of sensor lines along other axes. The triggering axis is chosen based on system requirements or user input, and only the sensor lines along that axis are activated for scanning. This selective scanning approach improves efficiency while maintaining accurate touch detection. The device may also include additional features, such as adaptive scanning rates or multi-touch detection, to enhance performance. The selective scanning method is particularly useful in applications where power efficiency is critical, such as mobile devices or battery-powered systems.
20. The device according to claim 15, wherein the first outputs sampled are sampled simultaneously.
This invention relates to a device for sampling multiple outputs from a system, particularly in applications where precise timing and synchronization are critical. The problem addressed is the need to capture multiple signals simultaneously to ensure accurate correlation and analysis, which is often challenging due to timing discrepancies in sequential sampling methods. The device includes a sampling mechanism configured to capture a first set of outputs from the system. These outputs are sampled at the same time, ensuring that all data points are time-aligned. This simultaneous sampling is crucial for applications where phase relationships or transient events must be preserved, such as in high-speed data acquisition, signal processing, or sensor networks. The device may also include additional components, such as a synchronization module to coordinate sampling across multiple channels, ensuring that all outputs are captured at the exact same instant. This eliminates timing errors that could distort the analysis of the sampled data. The device may further include processing circuitry to analyze the sampled outputs, providing real-time or post-processing insights into the system's behavior. By sampling the first outputs simultaneously, the device ensures that the captured data reflects the true state of the system at a single point in time, improving the accuracy of subsequent analysis. This is particularly valuable in fields like telecommunications, medical diagnostics, and industrial monitoring, where timing accuracy is essential.
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May 24, 2021
April 2, 2024
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